Frequently Asked Questions

NymVPN is a privacy-focused network-protection product that combines Nym’s secure mixnet technology with a decentralized WireGuard VPN for comprehensive online privacy across all use cases.

Curious about NymVPN? Find out more about here :arrow_heading_down:

When does NymVPN fully launch?

The full launch of NymVPN is projected for summer 2024. NymVPN will be a paid version with a robust set of additional features:

  • Security features like a killswitch to prevent data leaks
  • A more robust and pressure-tested mainnet network
  • A variety of payment options, including debit cards and crypto (including NYM)
  • Unlinkability of user payments with their online activity thanks to zk-nyms

Keep an eye on Nym socials for more news related to the full launch this year, and the Nym blogs for information on the benefits of choosing a mixnet VPN!

What's the difference between 2-hops and 5-hops?

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The default is 5-hops (including Entry and Exit Gateways), which means that the traffic goes from the local client to Entry Gateway → through 3 layers of Mix Nodes → to Exit Gateway → Internet. This option uses all the Nym Mixnet features for maximum privacy.

The 2-hop option is going from the local client → Entry Gateway → directly to Exit Gateway → Internet. This option is good for operations demanding faster connection. Keep in mind that this setup by-passes the 3 layers of Mix Nodes.

The anonymising features done by your local client like breaking data into same-size packets with inserting additional “dummy” ones to break the time and volume patterns is done in both options. We highly recommend to read more about Nym network overview and the Mixnet traffic flow.

How can I provide feedback or report issues during the beta?

You can provide feedback using your preferred format, whether it’s through the in-app report feature, email, social media, or our Discord / Matrix channels. Your input is valuable to us!

How can I contribute to the NymVPN network?

By using NymVPN, you help to enhance the network security. Your additional traffic helps dilute and complicate traffic analysis for potential adversaries – in essence, ‘Privacy loves company.’ To further strengthen the network, you can actively participate.

Delegate NYM tokens to operators you trust, ensuring top-quality service. Alternatively, install our node binaries and become a node operator. Download our Nym Wallet app for delegations or visit our node operators page.

What makes NymVPN different from Tor and other onion/garlic routers?

Tor stands out in the decentralized privacy landscape. But relying on volunteer-run nodes, it can suffer from inconsistent reliability and be subject to Sybil attacks, compromising its integrity. NymVPN incentivization scheme for node operators addresses both these issues. Moreover, NymVPN defeats timing analysis, a Tor vulnerability, with its packet shuffling and users cover traffic to obscure communication patterns. This combination offers a cutting-edge solution for users seeking the highest level of privacy.

Check our NymVPN litepaper for more detailed information.

What makes NymVPN different from other decentralized VPNs?

NymVPN distinguishes itself with its distinctive blend of a mixnet and a multi-hop decentralized VPN. It stands out by relying on a truly decentralized set of nodes run by worldwide-distributed operators, empowered to participate in the structuring of the network via a democractic community governance. NymVPN also ensures private payments thanks to zero-knowledge proof access enabled by zk-nyms.

Check our NymVPN litepaper for more detailed information.

What makes NymVPN different from traditional VPNs?

NymVPN distinguishes itself with its distinctive blend of a mixnet and a decentralized VPN. By design, and in contrast to traditional VPNs, NymVPN cannot access user data or browsing history, nor link traffic to personal information, such as email or payment details. NymVPN also distinguishes itself with a multi-hop routing by default. This combination offers unparalleled online privacy and security across all online use cases.

Check our NymVPN litepaper for more detailed information.